NCAA rules Arizona transfer Peters eligible immediately

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The NCAA on Thursday approved a waiver request for Arizona forward Zach Peters, clearing the way for the Kansas transfer to play this season.

Peters, a 6-foot-10 power forward, left Kansas after the 2012 fall semester due to concussion issues. He never played for the Jayhawks and will have four years of eligibility with the Wildcats.

Peters has been working out with his new teammates since arriving in Tucson this summer but has not been cleared for full contact drills.

“Today’s news from the NCAA is very exciting for Zach and his family, as
well as our basketball program,” Arizona coach Sean Miller said in a statement released by the school.
“There was a lot of effort and cooperation that went into this waiver
process. We’d like to thank the NCAA, the University of Kansas and many
members of the Arizona athletics family for their tireless efforts to
make this a reality.

“To this point, Zach has
participated with us and we’re still in the process of him returning to
full competition and contact. Zach has made tremendous progress in his
time at Arizona, and we’re optimistic that with continued improvement,
that time will come in the near future.”

The addition of Peters will give the Wildcats added depth on a front line that lost starter Solomon Hill as well as reserves Grant Jerrett, who declared for the NBA draft, and Angelo Chol, who transferred to San Diego State.

That said, Arizona isn’t hurting for frontcourt options with sophomores Brandon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski as well as highly touted recruits Aaron Gordon and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Peters was a five-star recruit in the 2012 recruiting class who led Prestonwood (Kan.) Christian Academy to two state championships and a pair of state runner-up finishes before enrolling at Kansas prior to last season. He announced his intention to transfer in November.

“I’ve tried to remain patient throughout this process, and today’s news is definitely a relief,” Peters said. “I’ve been making strides physically with the goal of getting back to full competition, and right now, it’s about honoring that process. I’m excited to keep improving, and it’s great to be able to put my focus on the season ahead.”